Status of Trial to Install a Fire Extinguisher at the Lift Lobby of Every Two HDB Blocks

Question:

Mr Cai Yinzhou: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in respect of the trial to install one fire extinguisher at the lift lobby of every two HDB blocks (a) whether an update can be provided on the implementation status; (b) what is the number of fire incidents where fire extinguishers have been used; and (c) whether the Ministry intends to extend this initiative to all HDB blocks.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Under a joint initiative with Temasek Foundation, Housing and Development Board and Town Councils, Singapore Civil Defence Force has progressively installed fire extinguishers at Lifesavers’ Emergency Points since October 2023. These fire extinguishers are co-located with existing automated external defibrillators at the lift lobbies of one in every two residential HDB blocks. To date, more than 90% of all targeted HDB blocks have been equipped, and we aim to complete the roll-out by 2028.

2. Since its inception, more than 220 such fire extinguishers have been used at minor fire incidents.

3. At this juncture, we are focused on completing the roll-out to the remaining blocks. We will assess whether there is a need to do more thereafter.